Overview
- Coaches ran a position-pod draft after limited player protections, resetting lineups across eight clubs for the 2026 season.
- Expansion teams led the selections: Breeze took Paige Bueckers first and added Rickea Jackson, Dominique Malonga, Aari McDonald, Kate Martin and Cameron Brink, while Hive opened with Kelsey Mitchell alongside Sonia Citron, Ezi Magbegor, Natisha Hiedeman, Saniya Rivers and Monique Billings.
- Season 2 opens Jan. 5 in Miami, with a Philadelphia tour stop on Jan. 30 and TNT distribution for the winter 3-on-3 slate.
- A six-player development pool—Hailey Van Lith, Aziaha James, Haley Jones, Emily Engstler, Laeticia Amihere and Makayla Timpson—will train in Miami and be available as injury replacements.
- Nearly 30 players are now on multi-year deals through 2027, four new head coaches are in place (Noelle Quinn, Rena Wakama, Zach O'Brien, Roneeka Hodges), and stars Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese are not participating.